Open mike 11/12/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 11th, 2023 - 42 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

42 comments on “Open mike 11/12/2023 ”

  1. observer 1

    A really detailed, in-depth article about Winston's post-2020 new fans turning on him now he's pocketed their votes (as if they had learned nothing over 30+ years).

    It would be easy to mock or ignore if their hero was Brian Tamaki or Leighton Baker.

    But he's not. It's everyone's problem now.

    Winston Peters’ rabbit hole problem | The Spinoff

    • Robert Guyton 1.1

      Winston found them easy to fool the first time around – why wouldn't he find it easy to string them along now?

      It's not as though they are immune to being bullish*tted.

    • Incognito 1.2

      Both Tamaki and Peters have the charisma of cult leaders.

      • Robert Guyton 1.2.1

        Both fleecing their flock.

      • Mike the Lefty 1.2.2

        I don't think Peters actually believes half of the rubbish that he spews out, he just played the part because he sensed there were enough votes for him from the conspiracy theorists who wanted electoral change but doubted Tamaki could get enough votes, so they went for Peters instead.

        Now that he has got where he wanted to get he can afford to ignore them and do what he wants, whatever that is.

    • ianmac 1.3

      Surely the highly skilled negotiator Luxon would have seen the fragility of the NZF position, or was it worth the risk so that he could become Sir Christopher Luxon?

      However what if NZF support from fans does turn to custard? Winston is installed in the House. He is DP. And will be there until 2026. He won. "Eat that!" he might say.

      • Anne 1.3.1

        And he knows it is his last term in office and he plans to go out all guns blazing. I almost – repeat almost – feel a bit sorry for Luxon. 😛

    • SPC 1.4

      They've kicked it to touch – part of the inquiry.

      He can presume overseas MSM will be silent on the issue and it will not be a problem while FM.

      If necessary, he'll point out this how politics operates, advocacy of a cause and a process, an inquiry.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 1.5

      Good article – I wasn't aware just how much effort NZ1st put into chasing the freedumb vote – long interviews with Liz Gunn etc.

      The dog has caught the car!

      • Robert Guyton 1.5.1

        Gunn, or rather her "right-hand-man", John Ansell (of Kiwi/Iwi billboard notoriety, Hobson's Choice etc.) stuffed NZ Loyal's chances before they were even out of the gates (2 million Loyalists with no one to vote for – catastrophe!) and so fell prey/sold out to Winston, who promised the earth. Now they want their pound of flesh.

        • Rolling-on-Gravel 1.5.1.1

          I won't be surprised if by the time all of this is said and done, there may be a marked increase of buyer's remorse than the usual amount.

          Winston's a showy sort of con-man at his heart.

          • Anne 1.5.1.1.1

            “Winston’s a showy sort of con-man at his heart”

            … and as cunning as a fox. History will remember him as probably NZ's most colourful politician and I cannot help but see him one day on his fluffy white cloud grinning like the Cheshire cat.

  2. joe90 2

    Did Retail NZ use incorrect data, too?

    NEW YORK, Dec 5 (Reuters) – The main lobbying group for U.S. retailers retracted its claim that "organized retail crime" accounted for nearly half of all inventory losses in 2021 after finding that incorrect data was used for its analysis.

    https://archive.li/o1QVJ (reuters)

    • ianmac 2.1

      It did seem to me that NZ Business claimed that "Retail Crime" was a serious blow to NZ Law and Order. Suited the Opposition to add it to the mix of anti-Labour soft on crime rhetoric. What data did NZ use?

      • Graeme 2.1.1

        Retail NZ have been sending out Retail Crime surveys the members for a while, so the local data will be from these. Because it’s self reported objectivity could be lacking but it still reflects the ‘mood’ of retailers.
        The ‘target’ of this is as much the insurance industry as any Government, shop lifting during trading hours is un-insurable, so a direct cost to the retailer and really hurts.
        What’s not reflected in the survey is the collapse in respect for retailers and staff through and post covid.

    • weka 3.1

      by some estimates around 200,000 in NZ ,were not deemed to be a concern for the Ardern Govt.

      by some estimates around 200,000 in NZ ,were not deemed to be a concern for the successive neoliberal governments.

      fify.

      You're article is dated 1/3/20. I wonder if the Labour government had other things on its mind.

      Besides, they're not all ghost houses. From your link,

      A total of 196,506 homes were left unoccupied across the country at the 2018 census, according to Stats NZ. The figure includes homes with no current occupants, unoccupied properties being renovated, baches, and holiday homes. Empty new-builds and homes that aren't up to government rental standards will also make up some of the total.

      Go to a South Island holiday town and the unoccupied rate will approach 25%. Because NZ citizens have holiday houses.

      • Blazer 3.1.1

        No kidding!See many permanently empty houses driving around Auckland.Even if allowing for the empty houses that have a valid reason for being so,there were say 25% that were left empty on purpose,it would still equate to 50,000 houses that could be homes for people to live in.

        Labour may well have been 'busy' in 2020.Its common knowledge that there are widespread social consequences of people not being able to access accomodation.

        People living in cars,motels on the streets comes at a huge cost.

        If you desire to reduce poverty and inequality housing people should be a…priority.

        • weka 3.1.1.1

          I'm curious who you voted for this year. If you see this as a Labour failing rather than a neoliberal failing.

          • Blazer 3.1.1.1.1

            This is what Ardern had to say…'“We are a government of change and this plan shows our new thinking on how we’ll tackle the big challenges facing our country and the world such as poverty and inequality and climate change'

            How would you rate them on those aspirations?

            Priorities for a modern and fairer NZ | Beehive.govt.nz

            • gsays 3.1.1.1.1.1

              While he is part of the problem with his 6 or 7 properties, landlord Luxon is correct to highlight Labour running migration at record highs.

              Contributing to housing unaffordability, inflation and pressures on a under resources health system.

            • weka 3.1.1.1.1.2

              I don't give a flying fuck about aspirations. I care about policy and how it is implemented and how it affects the country.

              Tell me what Labour did.

              And again, why focus on Ardern, as if everyone government since the mid 80s hasn't had us on this track.

      • Visubversa 3.1.2

        My house was "unoccupied" on census night 2018. That is because my partner and I were on holiday in the South Island – we completed the Census in a Motel in Christchurch.

        There certainly are "ghost houses" around – I can across a few of them while working at Auckland Council. One of them – in a very flash area – had been left by a family who had gone back to China for a family funeral and not returned. It was a big house, on a big rear site. The power was still on. After about 6 months the neighbours complained about the lawns which were becoming a fire and vermin hazard and Council eventually got an order to get them mowed by a contractor and billed it with the Rates. The owners continued to pay everything. This went on for some years.

        • weka 3.1.2.1

          yes, there are ghost houses, people sitting on the capital gains train, and land banking.

          What I objected to about Blazer's comment was the lack of nuance in understanding the different between houses that are empty because people are making money off them that way vs all the other reasons for empty houses. And that he blamed Ardern instead of seeing it as part of a long standing problem over successive governments.

          Once there is the political will, why not register houses:

          • occupied dwelling/owned
          • occupied dwelling/rented
          • holiday house
          • holidy house also used as nightly or seasonal rental
          • houses in process (renovation, just been built etc)
          • houses sitting empty for no good reason

          it wouldn't be a perfect system, but the main obstacle is how much of the electorate either favours untaxed capital gains and/or hates government intervention in the market on principle.

          • Barfly 3.1.2.1.1

            Well what pisses me off is that no one in government has had or will ever have the balls to investigate how big the problem is.

            • weka 3.1.2.1.1.1

              yep. Not the two big parties at least. My guess is TPM and the Greens would be all over it if they could.

            • roblogic 3.1.2.1.1.2

              I bought my last car off a young migrant who was the sole occupant of a large 4 bedroom house in Pakuranga – paid for by his overseas based family – the car later turned out to be a lemon

              Forgive my lack of empathy for wealthy foreigners who only come here to take take take and make inequality worse in the land my ancestors built.

  3. ianmac 4

    Nick Rockel has yet another in depth read on the risks/problems from the loss of Three Waters.

    So local councils, who screamed their opposition to Three Waters, saying “don’t take away water, you’ll dilute my powers”, will now be told, “fine, it’s all yours. You sort it out, and good luck telling your ratepayers”.

    So how will Luxon the clever negotiator handle the Councils' money problems?

    https://open.substack.com/pub/nickrockel/p/not-to-cast-stones?r=25honw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

    • Barfly 4.1

      "So how will Luxon the clever negotiator handle the Councils' money problems?"

      Tosh it's so simple – ta da privatisation and you thought councils would make eye watering increases just wait till it's privatised you'll all need an extra job to pay for water after that one angry

    • Patricia Bremner 4.2

      Thanks ianmac. Nick Rockel is a great read. Clarity and truly informative.

  4. Stephen D 5

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504414/workplace-relations-minister-brooke-van-velden-less-certain-of-good-relationship-with-unions

    ”FIRST Union general secretary Dennis Maga believed the repeal would drive wages down, and increase unemployment and underemployment.

    "Putting an extreme libertarian ACT minister in charge of Workplace Relations and Safety is like putting a vampire in charge of the country's emergency blood supply," he said in a media release.”

    Too soon to talk about a General Strike?

  5. Stephen D 6

    An interesting read regarding International Large Scale Assessments such as Pisa.

    https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/nz-news/350127894/all-gets-lost-our-conversation-around-pisa-results?utm_source=stuff_website&utm_medium=stuff_referral&utm_campaign=mh_stuff&utm_id=mh_stuff

    ”With National focused on curriculum reform we can expect “basics” to be lifted from places like top-ranked Singapore, but not policies like their massive investment in quality teaching through high teacher salaries. High pay and high status for teachers are unifying features of top-ranked Pisa countries.”

    Pretty sure NAF aren’t planning on paying teachers a whole lot more.

    • ianmac 6.1

      Yes Stephen. Funny that though NZ Reading scores started trending down from 2009 around the beginning of National Standards, this bogus Education Minister is going to reintroduce them. Worth a read your link.
      Funny how the great innovations came from organic developments from within the teaching system in the past but now we have politicians with pet feeds from the right wing National Initiative. Hmmmf!

      https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/nz-news/350127894/all-gets-lost-our-conversation-around-pisa-results?utm_source=stuff_website&utm_medium=stuff_referral&utm_campaign=mh_stuff&utm_id=mh_stuff

    • SPC 6.2

      It's not about results – that requires investment in pay and smaller class size.

      Each time, a claim they are the way to better results with no more money spent. It is once again an elaborate con to exploit parental fear.

      It's already known that teaching to a standards test does not improve educational achievement, so we have something new …

      2023. A focus on competence for future learning (reading, writing and arithmetic) … except it means less time for science and IT/coding … as well as all that "social studies" well being stuff.

      Groups like NZ Initiative exist as part of a conspiracy to create supportive expertise (the problem is teacher unions and state schools).

      Those in the business of Charter and Partnership schools assist in selling the narrative.

  6. Rolling-on-Gravel 7

    Taking an holiday from this website – see you around…

    • Robert Guyton 7.1

      Oh no!

      Why, Rolling?

      • Rolling-on-Gravel 7.1.1

        I realised that I needed to focus more on my activism and the next few months will be rather critical for the topics I hold dear and near to.

        Being here on the Standard will have to take a back seat to that for a while.

        See you all when I'm back and with some stuff to talk about (unless there's a particularly & extremely catastrophic thing that we cannot ignore that NACTNZF are committing upon us all, especially to my groups and that would be an instance where I would be back early) otherwise it'll likely be radio silence, so to speak.

        • Robert Guyton 7.1.1.1

          The new year will be a lively one. Looking forward to thoughts from refreshed commenters here, especially those who have engaged in grassroots action over the summer break 🙂

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • New measures to protect powerlines from trees
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events.  “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming award
    Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
    "On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.  “I raised my concerns after being ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
    Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
    New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
    New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-18T16:51:09+00:00